If you are craving a dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with bold, savory flavors, you absolutely have to try these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. They’re a perfect marriage of zesty ranch seasoning, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and a hint of spicy heat that will have your taste buds dancing with every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, entertaining friends, or just wanting something deliciously different, these skewers deliver incredible flavor and effortless cooking, making them an all-time favorite to add to your recipe rotation.

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful blend of ingredients that bring texture, taste, and color to your plate. Each component complements the other, creating a harmony that’s hard to resist.

Chicken tenders (2 lbs): These tender, quick-cooking pieces are perfect for skewers and soak up the flavors beautifully.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and ensures a moist and flavorful bite.
Dry ranch seasoning (1½ tbsp + 1 tbsp): The signature cool, herby taste that defines this dish’s character.
Dried dill (1 tsp + 1 tsp): Adds a fresh, slightly tangy herbal note.
Paprika (2 tsp): Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Deepens the savory garlic flavor alongside the fresh minced garlic.
Onion powder (1 tsp + ½ tsp): Enhances the overall umami and rounds out the seasoning profile.
Salt (½ tsp) and Black pepper (½ tsp): Essential for balancing and elevating all other flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Forms the rich, creamy base of the garlic parmesan sauce.
Fresh garlic (8–10 cloves, minced): Brings vibrant punch and aroma to the sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty depth and luscious texture.
Hot sauce (1 tbsp): Adjust the heat to your liking for a lively kick.
Red pepper flakes (2 tsp): Amplifies the spice and contrast.
Fresh parsley (⅓ cup, minced): A bright finish that balances richness.
Wooden skewers: Soak these in water beforehand to prevent burning during cooking.

How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate and Prepare the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken seasonings—dry ranch mix, dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—in a large bowl. Add olive oil and toss in the chicken pieces, mixing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. This seasoning bath is the first step to locking in that signature flavor and juicy texture. Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces tightly onto your soaked wooden skewers to prepare them for cooking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant. Next, add grated Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, ranch seasoning, dill, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Save about two-thirds of this flavorful sauce for basting during cooking, and keep the rest handy for finishing off your skewers with a luscious final touch.

Step 3: Cooking Your Chicken Skewers

There are three excellent methods to cook these skewers: air fryer, oven, or grill, depending on your preference.

Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with the sauce. Continue cooking with flips and basting until the chicken reaches 165°F internally, about 12-15 minutes total. Finish by brushing the reserved sauce and sprinkling extra Parmesan.
Oven: Preheat to 450°F and arrange skewers on a foil-lined sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway through, then broil for 2 minutes for a perfectly caramelized finish. Don’t forget to add the reserved sauce and Parmesan afterward.
Grill: Place skewers over medium-high heat and cook about 5-6 minutes per side, basting frequently. Finish with a final drizzle of the garlic Parmesan butter and sprinkle of cheese.

How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant green pop and fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish. A little extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving intensifies the cheesy richness. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the finished skewers makes a lovely visual and taste contrast.

Side Dishes

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair perfectly with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a crunchy garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables to echo the smoky paprika in the chicken, or a light couscous or rice pilaf that soaks up the garlic parmesan sauce beautifully. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the skewers upright in a tall glass or rustic wooden board lined with parchment for casual chic vibes. You can also offer small ramekins of extra garlic parmesan sauce on the side for dipping. For a family-style meal, lay the skewers over a bed of fresh greens or pasta and let everyone dig in. These presentation ideas make the dish feel as special as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the reserved sauce separate if possible to prevent the chicken from getting soggy, then reheat together for the best flavor experience.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your skewers gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, brushing with extra reserved butter sauce to keep them moist. Microwave reheating is possible but may sacrifice texture and juiciness, so an oven or air fryer is preferred.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well as long as they are cut into smaller, uniform pieces. Keep an eye on cooking time since breasts can dry out quicker than tenders or thighs.

How spicy are these skewers?

The heat level is moderate due to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste by reducing or increasing those ingredients.

Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire during cooking, especially when air frying or grilling.

Can I make the sauce vegan?

For a vegan option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. The ranch seasoning should also be checked for dairy content.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! The oven and grill methods are excellent alternatives that yield equally delicious results. Just follow the temperature and timing guidelines accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are one of those crave-worthy dishes that satisfy both comfort and excitement on your plate. Their rich flavors and simple prep make them a delightful weeknight game-changer or a stunning party dish. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself — and enjoy every irresistible, juicy bite!

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers combine tender chicken pieces seasoned with zesty ranch spices and coated in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, these skewers are an irresistible crowd-pleaser with a spicy kick and fresh herb flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix all chicken seasonings including dry ranch seasoning, dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and olive oil to the bowl and toss thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Thread the seasoned chicken tightly onto soaked wooden skewers to ensure even cooking.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add grated Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, minced fresh parsley, dry ranch seasoning, dried dill, and onion powder. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Reserve two thirds of this sauce for basting at the end and keep one third to use during cooking.
Cook (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place 2–3 chicken skewers inside at a time and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with some of the reserved garlic parmesan sauce, then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Flip and baste again, cooking for 5–6 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finish by coating the skewers with the reserved garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Alternate Oven Method: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the chicken skewers on it. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time and basting with the garlic parmesan sauce regularly. To finish, broil the skewers for 2 minutes for a golden top, then brush with reserved sauce and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
Alternate Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 5–6 minutes per side, basting continuously with the garlic parmesan butter sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. Once cooked through, drizzle with remaining sauce and sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
If using chicken breasts, pounding to an even thickness can help with uniform cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fry, Oven Bake, Grill
Cuisine: American